Are you in need of a 3D modeling expert and wondering whether you should hire one? Well, before you look for the best 3D modeling designer in the market, there are certain aspects you should consider. 

What are these aspects? You will have to find it yourself by binge-reading this article. However, if you need a hint, we would say hiring an in-house 3D modeling designer is not a wise decision to make as a businessman.

Find out more about 3D modeling and its creators in this article. Sort your head as you get answers to your confusion while reading the article. Let’s get into it.

What is 3D Modeling?

Before diving into later details, let us briefly discuss 3D modeling. 3D modeling involves 3D creators using their technical skills to deploy advanced software and tools that blend to create photorealistic 3D visuals. 

These creators can edit pictures of objects, people, and places in three dimensions; hence, they are called 3D creators. Some of the brands outsource tasks, including complex 3D editing, to these 3D modeling creators. 

3D modeling is widely used to create product designs, architectural sketches, animations, education, gaming, and other projects. Whatever the project, 3D modeling will always be demanding and require professional skills and extensive work.

Now that we know what 3D modeling is and who creates it, we move on to the reasons why people outsource it. The company might outsource its 3D modeling projects to solo creators when they lack expertise, or the workload exceeds the in-house creators. 

Thus, companies may outsource their 3D modeling projects to manage the workload without having to decline them. That way, they can earn more clients and get their work done within the deadlines.

Furthermore, outsourcing 3D models can sometimes be effective when the company lacks specific tools. Certain online tools are premium and come with monthly or yearly usage fees. Companies might outsource projects requiring such tools and have solo workers with a package for that tool to do the work.

In addition, there can be cases when the in-house 3D creators lack the skills needed to perform specific tasks. For instance, you must expect more than an animated video from a graphic designer with basic knowledge of 3D editing.

Thus, to keep the work going and maintain the brand name, companies may tend to outsource the work to professionals who are experts at doing a certain job. As a result, they can entertain incoming clients and increase their annual profits.

3D Modeling Projects vs. 3D Renderings

Although 3D renderings and 3D modeling projects are quite similar in outsourcing, each can prove to be distinctive. 3D modeling refers to creating 3D objects like tables, chairs, and even people. At the same time, 3D rendering involves using these 3D objects to create an environment.

One can outsource both the 3D modelings and the 3D renderings, but 3D renderings will also need 3D modeling of the objects. However, 3D modeling is not dependent on 3D renderings. You can outsource 3D modeling even when you do not have 3D renderings of these modelings.

Also, 3D modeling involves complex technical tools like automated sculpting tools and CMS tools to store the 3D models.  The tools are needed to curate 3D models, which are stored in a Content Management System (CMS) and made available to other applications.

The skills required to curate 3D renderings and models may overlap in some perspectives, but there are certain different skill sets that are required for each type of project. For instance, to curate a 3D model, you must have a good knowledge of spatial relationships and geometry.

A good understanding of spatial relationships and geometry will help you create a more photorealistic and precise model. In addition to this, 3D modeling requires you to have a strong understanding of 3D modeling software.

Likewise, 3D modeling may involve mimicking a reference object, image, sculpture, or blueprint, which means less creative freedom. You have to be more accurate and precise when modeling 3D objects.

On the other hand, you will require a good understanding of lighting and materials to create perfect 3D renderings.

In addition, 3D renderings require a good knowledge of rendering software and plugins. You should have strong experience using plugins like V-ray and Corona. 

Furthermore, crafting a 3D rendering will require your creative skills and analytical criticism. When you deploy your critical analysis, you can choose a good color scheme for your renderings. In addition to this, your creative skills will give the 3D rendering an artistic touch. 

Outsourcing 3D Modelings

Nowadays, 3D modeling has taken over almost all industries. Businesses are dependent on 3D modeling for their advertisements and marketing. 3D modelings maneuver the visual presentation of the product and hence affect the sales of that particular product. Furthermore, it is also believed to reduce carbon footprints and mitigate environmental pollution by reducing solid waste. 

Here is a list of industries that are truly dependent on 3D modeling:

1. Advertisement and Marketing

Before 3D modeling existed, the advertisement industry needed costly prototypes, presentable packaging, and everything that was required to create visually appealing Ads. However, all these hassles have faded with the advent of 3D modeling. 

You just need a 3D model, and there you go! You have created an excellent 3D Ad for your product, which can visually attract customers. If your client is unsatisfied with the intricacy, you can simply alter the project instead of re-shooting an Ad.

Thus, the advertisement and marketing industries can outsource 3D modeling projects to companies and solo 3D creators. It requires lesser investment costs and is more accessible than going out there and shooting a full-fledged commercial.

2. Automotive Industry

The world faces severe environmental concerns, and the automotive industry is one of the most significant contributors to these environmental crises. The manufacturing itself has a high carbon footprint score and, hence, is a reprehensible act.

Thus, the automotive industry now prefers to create 3D models of each and every model they plan to launch. This mitigates the applied cost of curating a pre-emptive design. Furthermore, with these digital models, they can reduce their carbon footprints.

In addition to this, they are able to avoid solid waste if they identify any default in the initial model of the vehicle when the digital model is concerned. Furthermore, they can save themselves energy from collecting and assembling the parts to curate a product that might later prove faulty.

Thus, this digital modeling not only saves costs but also saves the energy and time of the automotive product manufacturers. Also, digital modeling proves to be the best ecological alternative for an automotive prototype. 

All in all, the automotive industry also relies on 3D modeling and outsources 3D modeling projects to companies that offer such services. These automotive companies lack in-house 3D experts and outsource the work to relevant experts. 

3. E-Commerce/ Retail

E-commerce has become a staple of today’s fast-paced world, where people find it hard to save their time for outdoor shopping. Although the time convenience that e-commerce offers is enough for worldwide customers, there are still commercial protocols that must never be missed.

Product presentability is one of the most prominent matters that drives a company’s sales. Over time, it has been observed that the companies that get their products 3D modeled enjoy better customer satisfaction than those who have not entered the field.

No matter which product you sell, every brand will need a 3D model of its products. From food to clothes to furniture to jewelry, with a 3D-modeled prototype, customers can see the little details of these products precisely. 

The customers can look into all the angles, zoom in and out of the product, and click or tap for further information regarding the product they are willing to purchase.  Thus, 3D models mimic the real-life shopping process by giving customers a deeper insight into the product from different angles.

4. Gaming/ Entertaining 

Are you a Marvel fan, or do you play meta games? Well, the developers of such games, movies, or series are substantially dependent on 3D creators. 3D modeling experts craft all the avatars and metaverses created in the games. 

From your childhood favorite, Angry Birds, to your teenage love, PubG, these 3D creators have designed every game. Thus, the gaming and entertainment industries also outsource 3D modeling projects to companies and solo experts.

The entertainment industry profoundly depends on 3D creators to bring their imagination to reality. They can add the thrills only when the 3D creator they are outsourcing is good at his or her job. 

Benefits of Outsourcing 3D Modeling

Generally, 3D modeling is outsourced when the in-house staff cannot create 3D content or needs to catch up to their deadlines. However, there is more to it. The companies that outsource 3D modeling projects gain multiple benefits, which are listed below:

1. Single Solution to Multiple Problems

When the workload is overwhelming, and you are unable to manage the work, you can send it off to the outsourcing team. The team will then manage the work which needs help from external sources. They will have reduced risks of exhausted staff. When the staff is not exhausted, they are more productive and creative when it comes to solving problems.

It will not only help your company prevent an exhausted crew but will also enable the company to meet its deadlines and streamline its proceedings. Thus, by outsourcing your 3D modeling tasks, you can resolve multiple problems on the go.

2. Cost-effectiveness

If you recruit an in-house 3D modeling creator, you will be hiring a full-time employee, which will entail a full-time salary. Furthermore, there can be weeks when you don’t need a 3D modeling creator, which implies that you will be paying an employee just for free.

Furthermore, you will be obliged to give your in-house 3D modeling creator all the job benefits regardless of his or her contribution to the company’s growth. On the other hand, if you outsource 3D modeling tasks to dedicated companies, you will be avoiding such liabilities.

Furthermore, certain software tools are especially dedicated to creating 3D models. These tools may require a premium subscription for monthly or annual usage. If you stick to creating these 3D models in-house, you may have to pay for the tools that you may only use twice or thrice a month.

Thus, not hiring a contract-based 3D modeling creator or outsourcing your 3D modeling projects to the experts can sometimes prove to be an unwise business decision. By outsourcing your 3D modeling projects, you can avoid extra liabilities and still get your work done at reasonable prices.

3. No Contractual Planning

When you are outsourcing a 3D modeling project, you will be free of the documentation process and all other formalities associated with contract-based works. The service-providing team will do all that needs to be done. You are only required to sign the paperwork they have done.

4. Complete Support

Service-provider companies are usually good at soft skills and are capable of communicating every detail of the project. They will reach out whenever a critical decision needs to be made and will ask for your suggestions.

Furthermore, they make sure the services are provided up to your expectations. They will pay special attention to each and every instruction you offer them and hence serve you with the outputs that meet your expectations. 

These companies will cater to all your technical needs and may often go out of their way to ensure your project is delivered on time. They will provide you with the outputs that meet your standards. Thus, outsourcing a 3D modeling project will always prove to be profitable for you.

How Much Do 3D Modeling Projects Cost?

As already mentioned, outsourcing your 3D modeling projects can prove to be very cost-effective for you. Thus, one of the many benefits of outsourcing your 3D modeling projects is its cost-effectiveness.

The rates for 3D modeling services at online working applications like Upwork range from $40 to $200 per hour. These prices can vary depending on the project’s technicality and the provider’s expertise. 

On the other hand, if you recruit a permanent in-house 3D modeling creator, you will have to pay $71,107 per year, which is far more than what you are investing in online platforms. 

There is a huge difference between the fiscal costs invested in a full-time in-house 3D creator and a contract-based 3D modeling creator. When you hire these creators from an online platform, you also dodge a bullet by avoiding the monthly or yearly subscription expense of different 3D modeling software or tools.

Thus, the wisest decision is to recruit a contract-based 3D modeling creator for projects that require certain expertise. You can pay them according to the complexity of the project, the time frame, their qualifications, and the number of polygons. 

Conclusion

 3D modeling involves creating 3D objects that are photo-realistic but are intangible. 3D modeling is used by an array of industries, including the entertainment, marketing, advertising, automotive, and e-commerce industries.

All these industries deploy 3D rendering to boost their yearly sales by attracting more clients or customers via visually appealing 3D models. Not only do these 3D models visually beguile the customers, but they also help contribute to the environment.

The 3D modeling of different products reduces the carbon footprints of multiple industries. Furthermore, when the companies have their own digital prototypes, they can identify the flaws of their prototypes at the initial stages, mitigating the risks of rejection and, hence, solid waste. 

3D modeling can offer several benefits to outsourcing companies. First, it is cost-effective and eliminates extra liabilities associated with a full-time in-house 3D modeling designer.

Furthermore, outsourcing 3D modeling tasks avoids the risks of an exhausted crew, unmet deadlines, and interrupted workflow. It will also help you avoid paying monthly or annual subscription fees. 

All in all, outsourcing 3D modeling projects is a wise decision from a business perspective. That way, you can avoid certain fiscal liabilities and still get your work done on time. When your tasks are achieved within the time frame that you already planned, the company continues its processing without any interruption. 

FAQs

Q: Can I Pay Someone to Make a 3D Model?

Yes, one can pay 3D modeling experts to complete their jobs. Many 3D modeling experts are available online, and one can approach them on platforms like Upwork, LinkedIn, etc. 

Q: How Much Does 3D Modeling Cost Per Hour?

The 3D modeling project’s costs depend on multiple factors ranging from the expertise and qualification of the provider, the technical complexity of the project and the time needed for the project. However, on Upwork the 3D modeling providers cost anything between $40 to $200.

Q: How Much Does It Cost to Build a 3D Model Character?

Again the cost of each 3D model character can vary depending on the type and the effort needed to design that particular character. Typically, it costs between $50 to $500 depending on the complexity and details added to the character.